MLB Scouts: Reactions To The Manny Machado Trade

When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles for five prospects, it was widely thought that the Dodgers ‘fleeced’ the Orioles by many fans. But not so fast. Evidently, there are people within the inner workings of the game that see the trade as pretty even. An article in Baseball America nicely packages some quotes that provide a deeper look at how this trade will really play out.

Obviously, on the surface and in the immediate future; the Dodgers will feel the most impact. Machado is projected for 6.2 WAR in 2018, making him one of the most valuable players ever traded in the month of July.

Nevertheless, it will take years for the ripple effect to truly play out. We will know who ‘won’ this trade in the years to come. Or perhaps the Dodgers go on to win the 2018 World Series, and Yusniel Diaz ends up a superstar for Baltimore; making this a rare win-win for both sides.

Quotes From Scouts

Here are some quotes from scouts – taken from Baseball America:

“If they get three big leaguers for a rental and sustained production from Diaz it’s a very good trade, but Diaz better pan out,” said one pro scout.

“It’s about what you would expect for a rental stud,” said a second scout. “Diaz is the best player (in the trade). Pop will have to stay healthy but has good stuff.”

“The Dodgers sold high on a risky guy they don’t believe heavily in,’ said a third scout. “Having said that, I didn’t expect a big package. Rentals don’t command big packages in the game these days.”

“I would have held out for (Keibert) Ruiz or (Alex) Verdugo,” said a fourth scout.

“I like it,” said an American League front office official. “For a rental these days, getting Diaz and Kremer was good in my opinion. In general I don’t see teams sacrificing top talent for two-plus months (of a big league player).”

“I thought Diaz was a solid pickup and we like some of the other guys like Kremer and Pop,” said a National League front office official. “I thought it was a solid pull for a rental, but at the same time I don’t think the Dodgers gave up a ton for a big-time player.”

It’s interesting to hear the perceived take that the Dodgers don’t believe in Diaz, the 21-year old centerpiece of the trade. Yet, there are scouts albeit unnamed; but in existence, that think the Orioles did fine in this trade.

And to a larger point – It’s always great to read scout-speak. These articles come out every so often with anonymous scouts giving their opinion and it gets my click every time.

Anaylsis